Side Loader Operator

Firth Steels Limited; Brighouse; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Firth Steels Limited is seeking a Side Loader Operator in Brighouse, Huddersfield. You will operate sideloaders to move materials within yard and warehouse, load/unload vehicles, and ensure safe, efficient transport of long/oversized loads.

Role requires 1–2 years of sideloader or similar heavy equipment experience, strong safety awareness, and reliability for overtime and weekend work. Company is a family-run steel manufacturer with 35 years of experience.

Qualifications

• Experience operating sideloaders or similar heavy equipment.
• Good understanding of load balancing and safe handling.
• Ability to work outdoors/in indoor environments and adapt to weather.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sideloader forklift within yard/warehouse.
• Load/unload vehicles or storage racks per guidelines.
• Transport long or oversized materials in tight spaces.
• Carry out pre-shift inspections and report issues.

Skills

Sideloader operation

Forklift safety

Load balancing

Manual handling

Communication

Overtime readiness

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Forklift license

Job description

Side Loader Operator

Salary based on skills and experience

Brighouse, Huddersfield HD6

Hours:

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Thursday: 7.15am to 4.00pm
• Friday: 7.15am to 2.30pm
• Optional Saturday overtime, approximately 1 in 4

Firth Steels is an established, family-run manufacturer with around 35 years' experience in the steel industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate a side loader forklift to move materials within the yard, warehouse, or facility.
• Load and unload vehicles or storage racks, following FSL loading guidelines.
• Transport long or oversized materials efficiently in tight or narrow spaces.
• Conduct pre‑shift inspections of the sideloader equipment and report any issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of movements, loads, and inventory when required.
• Follow all safety rules, traffic guidelines, and handling procedures.
• Assist with general warehouse or yard duties as assigned.
• Communicate effectively with dispatchers, supervisors, and team members.
• Ensure work areas remain clean, organised, and hazard‑free.

Required Qualifications

• Category C1: Sideloaders with a lift capacity up to and including 5,000kg.
• Category C2: Sideloaders with a lift capacity over 5,000kg and up to 15,000kg.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience operating a counterbalance, side loader, or similar heavy equipment.
• Good understanding of load balancing, material handling, and equipment safety.
• Ability to control long or heavy loads safely and precisely.
• Physically able to sit for long periods and perform manual handling tasks as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and safety mindset.
• Ability to work in outdoor or indoor environments and adapt to weather conditions (if applicable).
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or holidays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• B1: Counterbalance trucks with a lift capacity up to and including 5,000kg.
• B2: Counterbalance trucks with a lift capacity over 5,000kg and up to 15,000kg.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems or basic inventory processes.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.